OSBC Osun State Broadcasting Corporation
Yesterday evening, Governor Adegboyega Oyetola of the State of Osun attended the 70th birthday celebration in honour of Chief Mrs. Nike Okundaye of the Nike Art Gallery in Lagos.
At the event organized by the Lagos State Government in partnership with GAC Motors, the Governor described her as a legendary art custodian, genuine humanist, a teacher and cultural ambassador extra-ordinaire.
Oyetola noted that the celebrant “embodies and emblematizes the resilience, the creativity and the sense of enterprise that define us as a people”, adding that she is “our pride”.
The Governor who appreciated GAC motors, Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, the Government and the People of Lagos State for the rare honour done to Chief Nike Okundaye, said the celebration of the creative industry icon was a fitting avenue to pay deserved tribute to her on the attainment of the landmark age of 70, adding that Osun will also be honouring her during her 30th anniversary.
While appreciating the celebrant for her innovativeness, Oyetola said, “She has captured our imagination uniquely and has redefined the use of arts and craft to project our resourcefulness as a people. Through her brilliant adire works that breathe the finest artistry of the Osogbo (Yoruba) tradition, she has brought immense global recognition to us and has opened a vista of possibilities for many of our young people”.
Speaking further, Governor Oyetola said, “The event further gives fillip to our agenda of repositioning the arts, culture and tourism sector in Osun.
“With our Tourism Master Plan tagged Culture and Tourism for Sustainable Economy (CUTOSEC), we are vigorously stimulating the sector to perform optimally, creating employment for our teeming populace while engaging tourists with the warmth of our people and the rich cultural heritage.
“A major goal in this direction is the promotion of our indigenous cultural festivals to attract local and international attention and patronage. Of course, we have Chief Mrs. Nike Okundaye to thank for being a worthy brand ambassador in this pursuit”, Oyetola concluded.
